Style, Beauty, Celebrity Makeovers = Karuna Chani
A Touch of Bollywood – Priyanka Chopra with Karuna Chani
Fashion, makeup and fragrance has always been an important part of my life. I love experimenting with different makeup styles in the hopes of achieving a flawless and vivacious look. Beauty has always been important to me personally and it brings me joy to see a desi woman pursue her dream in makeup artistry. Karuna Chani is an internationally recognized and accomplished makeup artist specializing in bridal makeup and image consultation. Not only is she a stunning beauty in her own right, but she can also make a woman look breathtakingly gorgeous.
When Karuna Chani first started her career as a makeup artist almost ten years ago she quickly established a reputation for flawless makeup application. More recently, she has mastered the art of airbrush makeup application with a HD finish. She is a consummate professional whose attention to detail has enabled her to touch many famous faces while building a clientele of fashion industry insiders.
Karuna has been featured in Marie Claire, Glamour.com and Vogue, India Eds. She has recently collaborated with Bollywood superstar Priyanka Chopra when she attended a special event in NYC. You can see her work here www.kc-makeup.com
13 Questions for Karuna Chani, Makeup Diva
1. If you could do anyone’s make up in Bollywood or Hollywood- who would it be and why?
I would love to have the opportunity to do Sonam Kapoor’s makeup. She is always original and inspiring with her fresh new looks. She is a trend setter in the world of fashion and beauty.
In Hollywood, my first choice would be Salma Hayek hands down. She’s ethnic, exotic and has that amazing 1950’s hour glass figure
2.What made you become a make-up artist?
Fashion was a part of my upbringing so I naturally gravitated towards that. However, the beauty aspect of the business really intrigued me as I was more attracted to the colors rather than the shapes and styles. I realized that which made me want to focus on makeup.
3.What do you like most about doing other people’s make-up?
The most satisfying part about my job is the before and after transformation. I love the fact that no two people are exactly alike and every face is a new canvas for me to create something beautiful.
4. How would you describe your signature look and what is it about your style that sets you apart from other make-up artists?
My signature look is always camera-ready, flawless and sexy. I like to combine these three traits and adapt them to the client and her individual style.
What sets me apart from other makeup artists is that I take the time to get to know the client and understand her lifestyle. This helps me create a look that suites them. It’s important for the client to feel beautiful and confident.
5. What is the most important beauty advice that you can give to woman?
Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun.
6. Do you see yourself someday creating your own line of make-up?
Yes, I definitely plan to create my own makeup and skin care line. In accordance with that launch, I am also considering conducting trainings where women can learn how to tap into their individual beauty and make the most of it.
7.Is your family supportive of your career path?
My mom is my biggest fan! However my father has a little more trouble understanding the business. He still asks me “What do you do again? Do you make a million dollars?” I also have a great PR/Marketing partner who has been supportive from day one.
8. What challenges have you faced in the field since you began?
One of the ongoing challenges for me has been bridal makeup pricing. It is important for clients to understand that old adage “You get what you pay for.” A lot of artists in the market offer deals and special offers but a potential bride should focus on quality of the work rather than price. After all it is your wedding day and that is once in a lifetime event.
9.Will you ever write a makeup book?
Definitely, I even have a title in mind. There have been several offers and concepts proposed to me but it’s still a work in progress.
10. What is the biggest beauty mistake woman make?
Bollywood still perpetuates the fair skinned beauty and I think that impacts a lot of Indian women. They tend to wear foundation that is too light for their complexion which makes you look chalky and gray instead of glowing and radiant.
11. What’s been the hardest part of starting your own business?
The hardest part of starting my own business is fear of failure and coming up with creative ways to differentiate myself from the competition.
12. What is next in your career?
I am currently working on taking my business globally by conducting beauty seminars in other countries.
13. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
The Indian version of Bobbi Brown!
Karuna’s Thoughts on the Desi Singles Scene and Dating…
What do you think of the desi singles scene?
The desi singles scene can be a little daunting. I prefer to be introduced to men through my good friends rather than meeting someone randomly.
Do you think it’s easy to meet the right person on your own or do parents know best?
It’s definitely not to easy to meet the right person on your own. I have a busy schedule that requires a lot of travel so I don’t have a lot of leisure time. Parents can be objective and usually have a good understanding about the kind of person that suits their child best but then again even a guy with missing teeth and a good job can qualify as a “handsome chap”.
When is make up too much make up?
A sure sign of too much make up is when you can see streaks of foundation on the he face!
Can it give the wrong signals?
It sure can! Too much makeup can make you look like a drag queen or like a chick who is very high maintenance.
Do you think there’s a lot of difference between the dating scene here and in India?
The dating scene in NYC is definitely more fluid. People here are more open minded and will consider dating outside their own religion/race. In India, you might date someone who is from different faith but for the most part he is going to be Indian.
Getting to Know Karuna…..Fill in the Blanks:
My biggest celebrity crush is__Bradley Cooper or Patrick Dempsey
My biggest pet peeve is__disorganization! I’m a clean freak________
I feel sexiest when__in heels and a dress!_______
My perfect date is with_my Boyfriend!____
On my perfect date, we would__be in Italy basking in the sun, wearing SPF of course!
If I wasn’t a make-up artist, I would be a lingerie inspired evening wear designer
Three things you can find in my purse are hand sanitizer, money and a Blackberry
My absolute beauty must haves are 1. Eyeliner 2. Eyelash Curler 3. Mascara 4. Concealer 5. Lipstick
I believe marriage is a beautiful and eternal vow that should not be taken for granted.
Thank you Karuna for chatting with me- it was a pleasure!
xoxo
Monica Marwah
(Monica Marwah is a 30 something single school psychologist who enjoys living life to the fullest. She is taking her experience and showing others how to believe in themselves and love themselves completely. After years of dating and meeting people, she has come into her own. Spirituality has been a foundation for self improvement for her and she is hoping to encourage people to embark upon a spiritual journey at this age.)
Related Posts:
The Failproof Desi Guide to Relationships
Desi Relationships – Heartbreak Hotel
Desi Girl’s Guide to Living Single and Loving It
Is Living in Sin the New Desi Thing
1 Comment
I had the pleasure of working with Karuna last year. Karuna is the utmost professional and is so talented. Great article.